Chris Pollet's attorney says he was trying to avoid hitting another vehicle when he crashed his car on Nov. 21.

Rye Junior High School principal faces DWI charge

By Joey Cresta

jcresta@seacoastonline.com

December 04, 2012 - 2:00 AM

RYE — Junior High School Principal Chris Pollet is fighting allegations he was under the influence of alcohol when he crashed his car into a guardrail on Route 16 in Rochester the day before Thanksgiving.

Pollet, 46, of Stratham was arrested at 5:21 p.m. Nov. 21 and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol, according to the public police log of New Hampshire State Police Troop A.

"He has denied the allegation and intends to contest it," said George Cushing, superintendent of School Administrative Unit 50, which includes Rye schools.

Cushing said Pollet crashed his car after swerving to avoid another vehicle. Pollet declined to comment for this report, referring questions to his attorney, Sven Wiberg of Portsmouth.

"It was a situation where there was another motor vehicle that cut him off," Wiberg said.

According to Cushing, Pollet later received treatment at a hospital, where it was determined he sustained numerous injuries in the crash, including a concussion, an acute cervical strain (commonly known as whiplash) and chemical burns caused by the explosion of the airbag in his car.

Pollet has not been suspended from his job and continues to lead the junior high school, Cushing said.

"I see it as, he hasn't been convicted of anything at this point," Cushing said. "He's got to have his day in court."

Wiberg said that because the DWI charge is a first offense and carries no jail time, Pollet is not entitled to a jury trial and instead will have his case heard by a judge.

"He's asserted his innocence. He's entered his not guilty plea" and waived his arraignment, Wiberg said.

The attorney declined to comment on particulars of the incident, such as where Pollet was before the crash occurred, citing the ongoing nature of the court proceedings.

"He's always been a great role model for all his kids and has no priors of any kind," Wiberg said.

Pollet was hired as the junior high school principal in 2007, replacing the retiring Jan Yost. He previously served as assistant principal at Oyster River Middle School in Durham for 11 years.

"I have found him to be a very dependable principal. I expect that will continue," Cushing said.

Additional police information on the crash and arrest were not available Monday. N.H. State Police Capt. Gary Wood said he would look into the matter but did not provide information by the Herald's deadline.

Pollet has sent home letters to parents explaining his version of events. He encouraged any students with questions to speak with him.